New Delhi, Oct 12: BJP Mahila Morcha workers on Monday staged a protest outside the Congress headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg in New Delhi, over sexual harassment allegations against Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.

The protesters raised slogans demanding justice for about a dozen female students who have levelled allegations against Akoijam. One of the slogans was, “JNU ki 11 betiyan nyay ki hakdaar betiyan” (JNU’s 11 daughters deserve justice).

Another slogan called on the Congress leadership to respond and take action against its MP. The protesters also staged demonstrations in Bengaluru, demanding action in the matter.

Earlier on Monday, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint lodged by JNU’s Chief Security Officer, days after the allegations surfaced.

According to officials, the FIR was registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station on Sunday, October 11, under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Akoijam has been named in the FIR, and police are investigating the matter.

According to media reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complaints alleged that he had invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in the classroom.

The allegations were reportedly examined during an inquiry that preceded the university’s decision to dismiss him from his position.

On Sunday, the BJP also questioned the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, over its alleged silence on the matter. The party asked whether Gandhi’s earlier “Smash the Patriarchy” remark was merely political rhetoric.

Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said, “Today, while we are worshipping Maa Shailputri, I am bringing a very serious issue concerning the daughters of this country before you. JNU has dismissed Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from his job over allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2024, not one or two, but 11 students filed sexual harassment complaints against him. JNU constituted an Internal Committee under the POSH Act, which, after a detailed probe, immediately dismissed Akoijam.”

Swaraj criticised the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, for not publicly commenting on the allegations.

“Is ‘Smash the Patriarchy’ only political rhetoric for you? It seems that this incident reflects the hypocrisy of the Congress. For them, feminism starts with a hashtag and ends when it comes to accountability,” she said.

Questioning the party’s position, Swaraj added, “Is women’s respect just restricted to being a slogan and not a policy of the Congress party?”

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 12: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) will register two FIR in the controversial cases at the Vigilance Court here on Monday, naming former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) legislator and former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas as the first accused in separate cases.

The first case pertains to the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payments, in which Vijayan is the first accused. The second case involves the alleged corruption money received by Riyas, who was the tourism minister in the second LDF cabinet and is the husband of T. Veena, the daughter of Vijayan.

Veena is the second accused in both the cases.

The move follows a Kerala High Court single bench directive to register cases and conduct a full-fledged investigation into allegations arising from monthly payments made by the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena, and alleged benefits extended to the company by those holding public office.

In the first case, relating to the CMRL-Exalogic transactions, Vijayan will be the first accused and Veena the second accused.

In the second case, Riyas will be the first accused and Veena the second accused.

The two FIRs will examine the distinct allegations against the accused and the circumstances surrounding the payments and alleged favours.

The High Court had directed the Vigilance to register cases on the basis of the Enforcement Directorate’s report instead of conducting a preliminary inquiry.

The order marks a significant step in the politically sensitive controversy, which has remained under investigation by Central agencies and has triggered a prolonged political confrontation in Kerala.

The court had also set aside the police chief’s order constituting a special investigation team without the government’s approval.

The government is expected to issue a fresh order appointing a special team recommended by the Vigilance Director, in accordance with the court’s observations on the authority to constitute such a team.

All relevant documents held by the Crime Branch have been handed over to the Vigilance.

The agency’s position is that prior sanction is not required to proceed with the investigation in view of the High Court’s specific direction.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the developments said Vijayan is moving ahead with a petition before the High Court’s division bench later on Monday, challenging the single bench order.

His move could open a fresh legal battle over the scope and procedure of the Vigilance investigation.

The registration of the two FIRs is expected to intensify the political and legal ramifications of the CMRL-Exalogic case, with the investigation now required to establish whether the payments were linked to any undue official favours.

Patna, Oct 12: BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi on Monday criticised Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s proposed march to the Supreme Court to submit a memorandum to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, calling it a “childish attempt” to put political pressure on the judiciary.

Saraogi said the alleged stone-pelting by protesters on security officials in Delhi and Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to approach the Chief Justice to submit a memorandum were unacceptable.

The remarks came amid plans by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders to march to the Supreme Court to submit a memorandum to the CJI. However, CJI Surya Kant had declined their request.

Speaking to media, Saraogi said, “This is a childish attempt to put political pressure on the judiciary. These are immature acts. The unruly mob that pelted stones at the police and Rahul Gandhi going to the Chief Justice’s doorstep to submit a memorandum are unacceptable. The country’s Supreme Court is not a platform for political rallies.”

“If you have the courage, file a legal petition. Congress lawyers have filed petitions several times. Therefore, do not turn this into a political spectacle on the streets. The Chief Justice has already said that your case can be heard in court and that you should present your legal arguments there,” he said.

Saraogi further accused the opposition of creating chaos on the streets and attempting to put pressure on the Election Commission.

“The country is witnessing this cheap spectacle of creating chaos on the streets and putting pressure on the Election Commission. Surrounding Jantar Mantar without permission, breaking barricades and pelting stones at Akashvani Bhawan are unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said.

Referring to Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Saraogi said their visit to the Parliament Street police station, where they allegedly demanded time and created a disturbance while claiming to maintain peace, was also objectionable.

“If they have any evidence, let them present it. This is not a one-day process. It is a process that takes 120–150 days, involving more than 35 lakh government and political party officials,” he said.